As the chill of winter fades and the promise of spring emerges, gardening enthusiasts eagerly await an eruption of vibrant blooms and bountiful harvests the season offers. In that respect, prior to planting that first seed, one has to look below to where there lies a group of busy soil microbes playing a significant role… Read more: Unlocking the Secret Life Beneath Our Feet: A Beginner’s Guide to the Microbial World of Soil

Spring heralds a time of renewal and growth, both in nature and in our gardens. As the days lengthen and temperatures rise, gardeners everywhere feel the call to prepare their plots for a season of flourishing plants and abundant harvests. Proper preparation is key to ensuring that your garden reaches its full potential. This guide… Read more: Spring Awakening: A Comprehensive Guide to Preparing Your Garden

Soil is the life-giving foundation of our ecosystems, supporting plant growth, water filtration, and providing habitat for countless organisms. But what makes soil healthy and fertile? At the heart of soil science is the understanding of nutrients and minerals—critical components that enable plants to thrive. This article aims to simplify the concepts surrounding soil nutrients… Read more: Understanding Soil Science: The Essentials of Nutrients and Minerals for Healthy Soil

As winter starts to wane and the promise of spring blooms on the horizon, many gardening enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the planting season. But why wait for the weather to warm up when you can start your garden seeds indoors? Starting seeds early is a rewarding way to jumpstart your garden and gives you more control… Read more: Starting Garden Seeds: The Joy, Benefits, and Steps You Need to Know

This is Pineapple Jamison from our HOI Expo 2024 in April of ’24.  She is a reenactor and travels around the country demonstrating methods and selling wares from the 1800’s.  Her focus for our conference was making beeswax candles using the dipping method.  In past times, this was the main way to make candles since it only required the wax, a pot, a fire, and a string thick enough for a wick.  Below the video you’ll find a transcript of what she is saying on the video with a few modifications to better describe what she is demonstrating.

A bit of wholesome fun, a few farm-fresh eggs, and a solid hobby that connects you to nature. But beware! This seemingly benign activity is, in fact, the first step on the slippery slope leading to a full-blown lifestyle transformation. Raising chickens is the gateway drug for homesteaders- a weirdly feathered fascination and earthy enlightenment that can quickly spiral out of control.

I love to garden. No really, I LOVE to garden. I even like pulling weeds. I can’t wait for the seedcatalogs to come and have to start a Go Fund Me site each year for my addiction. I start rearranging mysun-room in February to get ready for seed starting in March. I have to pace… Read more: No, Really, I LOVE to Garden!!!

In recent years, a growing number of people are trading city life for a more self-sufficient existence. But what is it about homesteading that draws them in? Let’s explore the compelling reasons behind this lifestyle choice.